How to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal Resume

How to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal ResumeHow to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal ResumeHow to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal ResumeInsights and tips for ensuring your resume is on targetJob opportunities for financial professionals are abundant in the federal government. Why? Because financial professionals are essential to the operations of virtually every government agency. A recent search of the USA Jobs website for an Accounting (0510) position, one of many positions in the 0500 series, generated 298 results in federal agencies across the U.S., from GS-7 up to GS-14. A search for Budget Analyst (0560) generated an additional 137 results.Details of each and every financial position in the Accounting and Budget Group (0500) can be found in the Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) Handbook of Occupation Groups and Families. This valuable reference source lists all positions that advise on, administer, supervise, or perform prof essional, technical, or related clerical work of an accounting, budget administration, related financial management, or similar nature.Which Federal Position is Best for Me? Keywords are the KeyRegardless of whether you are a private sector financial professional seeking your first federal job or a current Federal employee seeking a promotion, you must ensure you include the right keywords for your target series in your resume. Believe it or not there is a distinction between positions in the Accounting Budget series. The keywords for a Budget Analyst, for example, are different from those for an accountant. The good news is that if you do your due diligence research and follow the four steps outlined below you will be on the path to success.Step 1 Define the Distinctive Keywords for Your Target JobCarefully review your target announcement. What words come up most often? What specialized experience do you need for the job? Analyze your target announcement and compile a list. Key words can also be found in the Specialized Experience defined in the announcement, in the announcement questionnaire, in the duties defined in the announcement, and the OPM Handbook. Following are three difference accounting series positions and a sample list of important keywords.Accounting KeywordsGeneral Ledger AccountingAccount ReconciliationKnowledge of GAAPUse of Accounting/Financial SystemsPerform Accounting Operational ActivitiesPerform Reporting FunctionsMonth-End ClosingAuditing KeywordsPlan and conduct auditsKnowledge of GAGAS (Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards)Internal ControlsRisk AssessmentAudit Team LeaderWorking PapersBudgeting KeywordsBudget formulation, execution, and planningReviewing and analyzing budget estimates for accuracy and validityReceiving budget estimate inputAnalyzing, monitoring and tracking obligations and expendituresCompiling budget dataPreparing and presenting budget reportsFinancial systems experienceRegulatory ResearchStep 2 Cros s-check Your Resume Against Your Keyword ListNext, do a thorough keyword analysis of your resume document. Can you find the keywords for your target position in the resume? If not, now is the time to think about how you can add language to your resume that describes how you performed that specific task. When you write new content for your federal resume, make sure you cover the top keywords in your resume.Step 3 Be Sure to List Your Top AccomplishmentsAccomplishments are critical and set you apart from other financial candidates with similar skills and experience. Your resume should always highlight any unique benefits you bring to the position and your top accomplishments. When detailing your accomplishments, try to think in terms of CCAR (Context, Challenge, Action, Results) what was the challenge, how did you address it, what was the result?Examples of accomplishments for an AccountantManaged Journal Voucher Project. Determined accurate biweekly journal voucher entries in the G L oversaw input. Resolved GL discrepancies and provided solutions.Troubleshot and resolved a long-standing accounting software problem that improved recording of automated GL entries.Reengineered account reconciliation to provide a more systematic and efficient process.Team Lead for Accounting Software Upgrade and primary liaison between the banks internal departments and the accounting software vendor during implementation of a new accounting system.Step 4 Use the Outline Format by The Resume Place to Put it All TogetherNow that you have defined your keywords and your accomplishment, it is time to re-write your resume using the outline format. This format works well in the USA Jobs resumes builder and will make it easy for the HR person to see your experience and qualifications. Here is a short example. Additional examples can be found on the Resume Placed website (www.resume-place.com).RESOLVE ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS Analyze accounting exception reports, estimates, and other source d ocuments for adequacy and propriety. Prepare variance analysis of balance sheets and income statements to pinpoint discrepancies. Investigate and identify accounting problems. Implement systems modifications and new procedures to improve accounting and reporting processes.Coordinate audits. Monitor contractor performance. Prepare year-end financial statements and financial schedules for revenue and expenses, variance analysis, and operating lease obligations. Review investment and audit schedules prepared by staff. Brief accounting director and manager, orally and in writing, on audit progress, problems, and resolution steps. Ensure reporting deadlines are met.Manage AUTOMATED SYSTEMS Prepare accounting entries for the automated accounting system. Generate recurring and special financial reports. Track, update, reconcile, and manage the Fixed Asset (FA) accounting system. Review data accuracy and completeness. Investigate and resolve FA and GL system discrepancies. Reconcile physica l inventories to FA asset system. Initiate adjustments. Prepare and file personal property tax returns. Coordinate system upgrades.By following these suggestions and tips, you can create a standout federal resume for your target financial series and improve your chances of getting Best Qualified, Referred to a Supervisor, invited to an interview and even HIREDNeed additional help? Get a FREEPROJECT REVIEW for yourfederal resumeAn experienced Resume Place writer, Carla Waskiewicz has created Federal application packages for Federal and private sector employees with a wide variety of occupational backgrounds and career interests. She specializes in writing and designing standout resumes and cover letters for entry- to senior-level, administrative, financial, and technical positions. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Federal Resume Writer and Coach (CFRW).Free Project Review

Systems Analyst Job Description

Systems Analyst Job DescriptionSystems Analyst Job DescriptionSystems Analyst Job DescriptionThis systems analyst sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Systems Analyst Job ResponsibilitiesImplements computer system requirements by defining and analyzing system problems designing and testing standards and solutions.Systems Analyst Job DutiesDefines application problem by conferring with clients evaluating procedures and processes.Develops solution by preparing and evaluating alternative workflow solutions.Controls solution by establishing specifications coordinating production with programmers.Validates results by testing programs.Ensures operation by training client personnel providing support.Provides reference by writing documentation.Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportu nities reading professional publications maintaining personal networks participating in professional organizations.Accomplishes information systems and organization mission by completing related results as needed.Systems Analyst Skills and QualificationsC, COBOL, Software Design, Software Documentation, Software Testing, Software Maintenance, Software Development Process, Software Requirements, Teamwork, General Consulting Skills, Software ArchitectureEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Systems Analyst Jobs and apply on now. Find out more about employee compensationSalary CalculatorSalary Negotiation Tips for EmployersBenchmarking How to Pay New Hires

How savings can impact your employees financial wellbeing

How savings can impact your employees financial wellbeingHow savings can impact your employees financial wellbeingFinances can be a very personal thing to just about everyone. After all, its only natural to fiercely safeguard your finances and all the information surrounding it all. People rarely talk about things like earnings and debts unless theyre with an exceptionally trusted party. Others dont confide in anyone at all.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThat said, your business can operate as that exceptionally trusted party most people would crave when times get tough. When your employees overall financial wellbeing is improved, so too is that of your businessConsequently, heres how savings can impact your employees financial wellbeing.Funding Contingency PlansSavings impact employee financial wellbeing by funding contingency plans. This means that if your workers departure t o rack up debts and other payment obligations, they should have money set aside to fix or at least partially resolve those concerns.It ultimately means they have options on a way forward, providing them with a level of reassurance and consensus around their money.Without savings, employees can start to panic and, perhaps more relevant to you as an employer, be distracted on the job or take numerous sick days to deal with their issues.As professional and strong as some people seem, personal life problems will always bleed into the workspace and affect things like attendance, performance and productivity.Consequently, you should always take your employees savings seriously whether its because you care for them as people (and you should) or simply want everyone to always stay on task.Workplace BenefitsWorkplace benefits can help contribute to your employees savings efforts. For example, if youre running a lucrative retail venture, you could provide employee discounts on all your goods. Workers will subsequently save money in the long run by shopping with you, and you may also attract more business here by implementing these kinds of schemes as more people, even if theyre discounted employees, will use your products and services.These kinds of schemes can also reduce employee turnover and help keep staff loyal to the business. Over time, youll be building a robust relationship with your workers through these kinds of extra incentives, and eventually, youll be promoting a healthier atmosphere both in terms of finances and mental health.Promote Saving CultureMany businesses dont like getting involved with their workers personal affairs. However, its an indisputable fact thatmost employees spend an extortionate amount of time together, so without sounding too cheesy, its important that everyone is there for each other. This is especially true when it comes to boss-worker relations and the efficiency of the HR department.As an employer, you should always try to encoura ge a positive attitude in the workplace. This can include promoting saving culture in the workplace too When workers feel that their financial struggles are being addressed by the company they work for, they may just feel more educated and cared for.This is especially true for younger employees whore entering the workforce, and independently managing money, for the first time.This neednt take the form of personal one-on-one meetings to discuss matters in detail, though it can if thats your preference. You could also recommend orutilize valuable resources online, including benefits for employeesto browse, or encourage them to speak to HR in the event of money concerns.Ultimately, promoting a helpful saving culture is infinitely more productive than doing nothing.This article first appeared on Your Coffee Break.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from nes tkken Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Customize this Outstanding Tutor Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Tutor Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Tutor Resume SampleCreate Resume Jamie Christopher100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryOrganized Tutor with experience teaching students in topics that include math, life sciences, history and English. Flexible teaching styles available, capable of meeting with students to discuss their needs and improving test and assignment scores through one on one sessions. Experience in test preparation as well.Core QualificationsFlexible and Experienced TutorOne on One SessionsStandardized Test PreparationHighly OrganizedExperience in Common SubjectsTime ManagementExperienceTutor, October 2012 March 2015Los Angeles Peer Tutoring Center Los Angeles, CAPrepared sample test questions and oversaw practice sessions to better prepare students for the ACT and SATWorked independently with students to improve their scores on tests and do better on assigned project sPrimarily focused on English and social studies but occasionally worked on math and science topicsCompleted up to 10 private sessions each week over the Internet and in personWitnessed an increase of one letter grade or higher in fruchtwein studentsTutor, June 2010 September 2012University of California New Cityland, CADeveloped tutoring sessions designed to help students improve their grades based on their own specific problemsLed group sessions consisting of 10 or more students and worked with individual studentsMet with teachers to talk about the problems and issues students had to help them learn easierResponsible for identifying the symptoms of learning disabilities in studentsEducation2010 High School Diploma, General StudiesNew Cityland High School New Cityland, CACustomize Resume

The Resume Diaries

The Resume Diaries If youre looking for work, its required to have a powerful resume however there are a few men and women that are intimated in creating one. The four talents above all add up to a great marketer, whatever the area. You do not have to get every skill they are searching for, but its important to get almost all the desired skills. Show that, undoubtedly, you have the essential abilities, experience, and knowledge to carry out the work successfully. Therefore, youre confronted with the decision of the way to portray your work on your resume. By now you could have understood that the work market is a difficult region and you will need to put up a brave fight to enter the ideal job related to your area. Your work might require you to deal with various tasks. If you are interested in a remarkable job, you will need an amazing resume. What to Do About Resume Before You Miss Your Chance The actions to compose a resume are easy when taken one at a moment. If you do nt use a format an employer is familiarized with, then they need to search too long to discover the information that they need and they wind up giving up. As you have a look at the templates that may be found online it is essential that you try to do your very best to settle on the ideal cv templates. As you proceed through the templates that may be found on the internet, youll get a good deal of resume tips that will allow you to produce an ideal template for your CV. It is essential that you proceed through all the templates that could be found online so you settle on the one which you feel can help you get the job which youre applying for. There are several different kinds of templates for different job titles. To begin with, design review is the point where the candidate brings two or three projects theyve worked on previously and talks about them. There are a couple of technical questions, but the majority of them are fun questions like top few movies or spirit animal. T here are groups that are devoted to reviewing resumes. Entry-level candidates might include hobbies, as they dont have a lot of material to work with, Augustine states. General descriptions of your abilities and previous responsibilities might not be that appealing. Both consist of a structured collection of facts that gives you the ability to impart relevant info about your abilities and achievements to an employer as rapidly and simply as possible. You therefore have to be certain that its perfect and that it gives all of the info it needs to give in all the correct ways. Also, ensure you give the ideal amount of information regarding the skills you wish to see in a candidate. Hiring manages are always searching for the best candidates, naturally, but in plus-rechnen they need the interview procedure to be as efficient and simple as possible. If you would like to receive a good job, you require a resume that employers wish to read. If you would like to create a resume that employers wish to read, you need to find out precisely what the employer is searching for. Many employers want applicants with a wide selection of experience. A tremendous portion of getting where you need to go is making the effort to become noticed. Third issue is you should request assistance. Another way to ensure you get the best resume help is to get in touch with the organization. Ultimately, a third means to find the best resume help is to check over the credentials of the individual actually writing your resume. Ok, I Think I Understand Resume, Now Tell Me About Resume For many internet marketing positions, it is a requirement, while its stated upfront or not. You are interested in being regarded as a polished professional. Candidates will have to compose an essay about a journalism project theyd love to pursue. Find out more about the Company Try to observe how much it is possible to learn about the organization. Career Services offers many on-line resources to aid you in composing a professional resume. Job search wasnt very easy in the preceding years.

Cover emails what you should know!

Cover emailles what you should know Cover emails what you should knowPosted October 13, 2011, by Sue Stevens More and more, job applications are being sent to prospective employers by email. There are two ways of sending applications by email. First, you can write the titelseite letter in the body of the email and attach your resume. Second, you can write a short email and attach your resume and deckblatt letter as two separate documents. Whichever you choose, there are some things you can do to stand out from the job-hunting hordes. Address the email correctly As with a cover letter, make sure you address the email to the right person. Sending your email directly to the person is best but if they want you to send your application to an emailprotected address only, do as the company asks. Also begin your email using conventional business language Dear Miss Jones. Subject field Make the most of the subject field in your email. Leaving this field blank is simply wasting an opportunity to make a strong comment about you. And simply inserting the job title and number also wastes an opportunity. Think about the impact if you add a stichwort that attracts the attention of the reader. For example, for a senior engineering position you could write Experienced engineer for Senior Project Engineer position. Opening paragraph It may be tempting just to write Attached please find my resume and cover letter for the advertised position which is fine and certainly wont go against you. However, writing something a little more attention grabbing will set you up as a real contender. You should make the reader really want to read your cover letter and resume. The opening paragraph could say something about your achievements and link them to the position. For example, if you were going for the position of Publishing Director, the following opening sentence is a powerful statement about your ability to do the job. Having published 12 150-page full-colour trade magazines in the pa st year where I managed the complete production process and a staff of 20 professionals, I am an ideal candidate for the position of Publishing Director with your company. What you can do for your prospective employer Dont be afraid to say what you can bring to the position and the benefits to the company. Adding value to the business is something the reader is very interested in hearing Publishing is a dynamic and exciting industry, and I am convinced I can help ABC Publishing grow its reputation and dominant position in the industry. I would love to meet you to discuss the position and look forward to hearing from you. Use keywords Many resumes and cover letters are now stored in databases so using language relevant to that industry will help your application hit the right buttons and make sure it is easily retrievable. A thank you is good manners Thank the person for their time and consideration. A last word or two about email cover letters When you attach your documents resume , cover letter and any other documents requested by the company make sure that you name the documents with your name lindsay_smith_resume.pdf or lindsay_smith_resume.doc. Dont forget that the recipient might have up to 100 or more applications. If some are named resume.doc, rather than re-naming these resumes, the person may be tempted to trash them immediately. Sending files as pdfs will ensure the styles you have used will not corrupt. If you do send files in this format, let the reader know that you can send Word documents if this is preferred. This immediately sets up a dialogue between you and the reader a good start to getting the job ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesnursing interview questions and answers why should we hire yousample resignation emailhow man y words should a cover letter bewhy should we hire yougreat resignation letters CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineSue StevensRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEMPLOYER RESOURCESWork/life balanceWhy Job Flexibility Is The Secret To Career WellbeingBestselling author Tim Ferriss tells us we can have a 4-hour work week but in reality, most of us feel like were working more than ever. Marni sees whether flexibility might be the next best option.TradesCement your career in the building industryIf you like the idea of working with your hands, building something that lasts and getting paid while you learn, then why not consider a career in building and construction?Maternity leaveWorkers rightsMaternity Leave in Australia - Know Your Rights Having a new baby is a mixed bag of e xcitement, nerves, overwhelm and a whole lot more, so when it comes to working and preparing for baby, its important to take your time, know your rights and do your research.

The M14 Rifle Is Still Used by U.S. Soldiers

The M14 Rifle Is Still Used by U.S. SoldiersThe M14 Rifle Is Still Used by U.S. SoldiersThe M14 rifle remains one of the oldest weapons still in service with the U.S. military. Battle Rifle The M14 is referred to as a battle rifle. This term is given to weapons that fire full-power rifle ammunition. The M14 first entered service with the U.S. military in 1957. The weapon welches the standard issue U.S. rifle from 1959 until 1970. The M14 was also used for basic training by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps during that period. The M14 has largely been replaced by the M16 rifle. However, the M14 is still used on the front lines by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard as of 2018. It is also widely used as a ceremonial weapon by U.S. soldiers. Modified M14 rifles are the basis for the M21 and M25 sniper rifles. Development and Use Development of the M14 rifle began shortly after the Second World War and continued throughout the Korean War in the 1950s. The rifle was created in an attempt to replace four different weapon systems- the M1 Garand, the M1 Carbine, the M3 Grease Gun, and the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle. U.S. military officials wanted a rifle that was durable in hostile environments and provided deadly accuracy. The M14 rifle was widely used during the Vietnam Conflict of the 1960s. After the competing M16 rifle was introduced in 1970, the M14 took on a new role with the U.S. military as a sniper rifle. The M14 rifles accuracy over long ranges made it ideal for marksmen. Versions of the M14 rifle have been used by snipers in Afghanistan and Iraq. These M14 rifles have been modified to include scopes and fiberglass stocks. The M14 rifle is also on regular display at military funerals, parades, and other ceremonies.

How We Killed Our HR Department

How We Killed Our HR DepartmentHow We Killed Our HR DepartmentIm a textbook Millennial. Not because of when I was born or anything, but more because my eyes unconsciously roll every time someone talks about Millennials. If you just felt a little eye roll yurself, then welcome. The reason I bring this up is that, as much as we dont like this label, were having a massive impact on how HR departments work nowadays. Were driving new technologies (and please stop making us explain them) and, fruchtwein importantly, have different values than ur parents and grandparents. If we dont like a job, we go for another one without thinking too much about it. That causes headaches around turnover, retaining talent, and keeping employees happy for many businesses.At , we faced a unique version of this harte nuss. Because every one of ur 19 kollektiv members is a Millennial. Considering our entire mission is to help people land their dream jobs, it would be more than a little awkward if it turned out our company is full of dissatisfied Millennials. Ultimately, we decided that for our employees to succeed and stay meant doing the unthinkable killing the HR department.Okay, thats a little dramatic transformed is more accurate. Our HR department became an Employee Success Department. But it wasnt just a fancy label. This change actually meant a fundamental shift from thinking more about work environment to thinking about individuals and their development.Are you having problems with keeping Millennials?A 14th-century farmer didnt think much of producing the same amount of wheat every year. Not unlike that farmer, my parents worked the same jobs for decades without thinking much about it. If I tell them Im upset I havent improved myself in my job over the last year, theyre likely to let out a little chuckle. But Im not alone. Our generation expects both personal and professional development. Without it, theyll move on to a job that can provide that.For companies with younger emplo yees, this means its time to adapt or die. Ive seen this problem firsthand, speaking to dozens of companies facing serious issues with keeping Millennials engaged and motivated. The good news is that some have found a way to harness the power of this generation and thrive. Heres one illustrative example.Airbnbs Employee Experience modelAirbnb seems to understand this pretty well. Theyve implemented a work as an experience model and today, theyre one of the 50 best places to work and have a 90% job acceptance rate. So what do they do to be so successful?To keep their employees happy, they transformed their HR department to the Employe Experience Department. Their Chief Of Employee Experience, Mark Levy, doesnt only do recruiting, talent management development, and HR. He thinks of ways to create memorable workplace experiences by doing things like providing healthy food or a workspace which has a nerd cave and a place to meditate. His entire position is based on balancing the 5 elem ents of the visual below in order to create an optimal employee experience (does that make him a shaman?) The result of Levys efforts creating a workplace as an experience has 90% of employees recommending Airbnb as a great place to work.s Employee SuccessmodelAs a company that helps people find the right job with the right workplace culture, do we practice what we preach? Do we make our employees successful and happy?No.Just kidding. We do a lot to achieve this. While Airbnb does a great job making their employees happy at work, we try to go a bit deeper. Initially, this involved our COO and Deni (now the Chief of Employee Success) putting a lot of effort into the fun part of work. We traveled together, had parties, dinners, and healthy breakfasts. But as our kollektiv started growing, we realized that it wasnt enough.We saw a potential problem in how companies like Airbnb handled this. The focus on fun and the physical needs of employees overrode focus on their performance, the im pact they have in the company, and how successful they feel each month. The visual above represents the way Airbnb does the trick. But, even the name of their strategy, The Workplace As An Experience, signals that the focus is mainly on Workplace, rather than the aforementioned progress and development. Thats why we dug deeper and got inspired by the 3 Fs model a forward-thinking company called Nitro.Related articlesA week to remember s spring Power WeekHow Hotjar built a 100% distributed companyBreakfast the most important meal of the weekThe 3 Fs Model and the Employee Success ModelAs outlined in this model, the fun part (a cool office, fun events, travels, team-building events) is really just the icing on the cake (and who doesnt love icing?). The very foundation of a happy worker is created by the fundamentals and the fringe.The fundamentals part is the easiest one at . It starts with making sure each employee is aware of our values and where were heading as a company. (We are still working on outlining our values in more detail, but more on that in our next article.) We also offer competitive salaries and other benefits, such as 25 days of remote working (co-working space expenses covered), a monthly budget for physical exercise (many of us practice Ving Tsun, martial arts, together), a healthy breakfast every Monday (groceries hand-picked by our CEO), and more. When it comes to workplace, its a great experience (at least thats what our guests always say). We have a fireplace, huge terrace and a lot of open space.Feeling were good on the fundamentals, were now focusing more on the fringe. Here, we help each employee develop as both an individual and professional. Often, this means pushing them out of their comfort zone, as thats the place where the magic happens. It also helps stretch our personalities on an emotional and intellectual level to become better colleagues, professionals, and leaders. For example, I, like most people, found public speaking te rrifying, completely out of my comfort zone. Thats why I was encouraged to try it out and present the benefits of using to 150+ people at a career event. I discovered that Im actually a natural public speaker and have been representing at most similar events ever since.clickToTweet tweet=At , we dont believe in a stress-free working environment. A bit of stress is always good. career quote=At , we dont believe in a stress-free working environment. A bit of stress is always good. And how do we motivate each team member? We let them be a part of challenging projects and tasks that make them learn new things. Maybe youve been in a situation when a difficult project with a tight deadline unlocked your creativity and productivity. Well, there is a subtle relationship between performance and a light degree of stress. As described in the Inverted-U Model by Robert Yerkes and John Dodson, a slight pressure gets the best out of people while also keeping them happy and engaged. Thats why a t we dont believe in a stress-free environment. A bit of stress is always good.We also regularly check in with each employee, asking how they feel about our product and company goals. Our team works best when we all are on one page. To check that, we do a short survey twice a year not too often, not too rarely. Another great way to work on employee success is having one-on-one meetings. In smaller companies, a CEO does them with each team member. But we decided to do things differently. For example, our CTO has one-on-ones with each member of the dev. team. The CSO talks to the CEO and Customer Success Department. The COO talks to everyone in the marketing team. You get the point. Like that, one-on-one meetings dont become a burden for the CEO and employees. They help us to keep track of everyones feelings, places for improvement, and challenges everyones facing. Its also a good time to update the team on challenges the companys facing. One-on-ones have been a real game-changer for our team. It helped us spot small problems before they became huge or just see hows the COOs moving houses going. We highly recommend them. The last and best part of helping our employees grow began with hiring Veli, our Talent Leadership Enhancer. She works with the co-founders to continuously improve our approach to people and culture as we prepare to scale the business. From hiring to learning, development, and succession, shes looking to create a knockout employee journey. Also, shes helping each of us create a plan to outline and then achieve our goals.Over to youNobody ever said making Millennials happy was easy, but it turns out that catering to them has made us a better company. Its no exaggeration to say that a huge part of our success has come from implementing these kinds of policies. Simon Sinek phrased the problem perfectly when he saidits not enough to have your values on a poster. You have to believe in them and live them.clickToTweet tweet=Its not enough to have yo ur values on a poster. You have to believe in them and live them. by simonsinek quote=Its not enough to have your values on a poster. You have to believe in them and live them.Recognizing this and implementing the 3 Fs model into our strategy has brought significant improvements to our company. It helps us spot the wrong culture fit quicker, which saves money. Each one of us has a chance to talk about their struggles right at the start, which prevents small issues becoming an unpleasant situation. Also, theres so much more trust within the team, which helps us reinforce our company culture.In other words, Millennials or not, its time to change the way employers interact with their employees.

Your Guide to Smart Body Language in the Conference Room

Your Guide to Smart Body Language in the Conference RoomYour Guide to Smart Body Language in the Conference RoomSo youre prepping for a big meeting. Youve done your research on the topic, prepared a presentation (or thoughtful questions to ask the speaker), and picked out the perfect suit. Youre ready, right?Actually, theres something else to consider Your body language- which can often make a stronger impression than the words you say or the work you do.Whether youre a leader or a follower, the conference room represents a minefield of nonverbal communication that could fast-track or sabotage your ambitions. And its important to be aware of the often-subliminal factors that can impact the way your colleagues and boss view you.So lets take some all-too-common body-language scenarios, and start translating.Scenario 1 For newbiesAfter a few months of hard work, you finally get invited to a brainstorming meeting in the glass arbeitszimmer with the mahogany conference room table. You gra b a seat, place your hands in your lap and sit compactly to make room for more people. As soon as your boss starts to speak, you- eager to learn- hunch over your legal pad and commence rapid-fire note-taking. GOOD You sat at the table.In her buzz-worthy TED Talkabout why there are so few female leaders, Facebooks Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg exhorts women to confidently sit alongside men. Your colleagues will value your thoughts more if you are (literally) on equal footing. If youre huddled in a seat in the eckball, your thoughts are often perceived as less important. No one gets to the corner office by sitting on the side rather than at the table, Sandberg says.BAD You allowed yourself to get squished.This is a common mistake among women, says Dr. Lois P. Frankel, a prominent executive coach, corporate trainer, and author of Nice Girls Dont Get the Corner Office 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers. She argues that the use of space makes a stat ement about our confidence and sense of entitlement. The more space you take up, the more confident you appear.Look at how men and women sit on an airplane and stand in elevators. On an airplane, men are more likely to sit down and spread out using both armrests, whereas women tend to keep their elbows tucked in close to their sides. And while both sexes are conscious of making room for others when the elevator gets crowded, youre more likely to find a woman cowering in a corner, for fear of taking up too much space, Frankel says.Same goes for the conference room. You dont have to be a diva to have earned a comfortable spot at the table. So un-tuck your arms, put your hands on the table, and claim your spaceGOOD You took notes. No matter how many positive body-language vibes you send out during the meeting, failing to even bring a solitary sheet of paper and pen into the conference room gives the impression that the discussion isnt important to you. And thats not going to get you an ywhere.Another way to show youre engaged is to lean forward and nod slightly. (No bobble-heading, though- its distracting.) These movements will send signals to the speakers that youre engaged and processing the information.BAD You took notes frantically. Have you ever left a meeting with a legal pad chock-full of notes, only to see your peers and boss only have a couple of ho-hum words at the top of their papers? Its disconcerting. (How did they do that? Dont they need the nitty-gritty details, too?)Then, you get a few smug thoughts. (Theyll come to me when they forget what was discussed.)Notice, though, that rarely happens. While there are times that detailed notes are needed, copying down every spoken word and PowerPoint diagram also sends out the juvenile vibe. Its better to synthesize the information as it comes in.Jot down the main ideas, and spend the rest of the time giving some much-needed eye contact and a few of those intentional nods. Theyll go a long way in establishing subliminal rapport.Situation 2 For ManagersRecently promoted, youve been tasked with presenting at the quarterly meeting of all the big wigs. And boy, are you ready. Youve fleshed out your talking points, memorized your presentation, and skillfully peppered your script with a couple of well-timed (and seemingly unscripted) jokes. You take your spot to the right of the board, and at the end of the presentation, you face your colleagues and cross your arms. Any questions? After a pregnant pause and no response, you sit down. GOOD Youre prepared. Nothing says this is going to be bad than someone who fumbles with note cards and spends their time reading PowerPoint slides, rather than looking at the audience.But beyond knowing what youre going to say, what makes a presentation engaging? Frankel recommends you break the silhouette. Take your arms from your sides and integrate gestures with your message. Emphasize points by counting them on your fingers. And even if youre nervous, no hand -wringing allowed. No excuses.BAD You stood still. Lets refer to Frankels point about taking up space. Women often are plagued by the same unconscious space-saving tactics, even when theyre at the front of an open room. They tend to stand in one place, moving only slightly within a few feet. But without enough movement and gesturing, the overwhelming impression conveyed is that of being demure, careful, unwilling to take risks, timid, or frightened with little to contribute, Frankel writes. And that all has nothing to do with the content of the presentationFrankel suggests walking side to side, forward and back, covering about 75% of the available space.Also, plan ahead. If you know theres an uninspiring podium in the conference room, request a handheld microphone before the meeting. Youll be able to move about more freely.GOOD You faced the group.Orienting your body toward your audience helps with voice projection and also makes you appear more approachable, as you (literally) open your space for discussion. It also gives them a clear view of your facial expressions. A classic 1967 studyby Dr. Albert Mehrabian at the University of California at und ab die post Angeles found that the total impact of a presentation is based on words used (7%), tone of voice (38%), and body position, facial expressions, hand gestures, and other nonverbal communication (55%).BAD You crossed your arms. By crossing your arms at the end of your presentation, you unknowingly closed that open line of communication. Studies show audiences are less likely to respond to someone whose arms are crossed because it gives the impression that the conversation is closed or that the speaker is guarded and insecure. Instead, smile and keep your arms bent at your sides, poised to begin gesturing when its your turn to speak.So, in your next meeting, think about the messages youre sending- not just with your words, but with your body. While unconscious mistakes have the potential to stall your caree r, these simple techniques will leave a first (and lasting) impression of poise and competency.Photo of business meeting courtesy of Shutterstock.